Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A few things to consider before you get started

We are moving through February at a furios rate and if you live in the northern hemisphere the end of winter is in sight.

So with the warmer and longer days on the horizon, our thoughts begin to turn toward the events we have lined up for the coming months.

There are a few questions I would like you to ask yourself:

How did you end your events season last year?

Was your body feeling good?

Were you injury free?

How was your mental head space?

Were you a little frazzled from all the training and racing or were you still motivated to participate.

These are all important points to consider before embarking on the 2011 program.

If you were injured, physically depleted or mentally flattened there was certainly an issue with your approach to training and how you planned your events season.

So before you jump into the deep end of the pool and get "gung-ho" about the approaching season, take a step back.

Evaluate your training and racing in 2010 - what did you do well and what could you have done better? Do not make the same mistakes again.

If you suffered through injury - seek professional assistance and advice on how to avoid the same issues arising in 2011. Perhaps a running analysis by a Physiotherapist. How about getting your bike fit done right? Even getting a correctly structured training plan will make a huge difference.

Be realistic - about your training and events schedule. Is it viable in terms of all your other commitments. Get the balance right.

Keep it fun - when training and exercise are fun and you are 100% engaged, chances of decreased motivation and burnout are reduced.

The key is to do everything in your power to make the coming events season the best one yet - and not fall into the same cycles as you perhaps did in previous years.

Remember: If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got!